FSU Football Breaks The Rock To End Preseason, Ashton Daniels Earns Honor

The Florida State Seminoles can officially say that the preseason is behind them.

The Seminoles wrapped up fall camp on Saturday, exactly one week before a season-opening clash against New Mexico State on August 29.

This is a team that went through plenty of changes since the begininng of the year, retooling the roster and coaching staff. Along with trying to get better, the Seminoles have focused on building chemistry and assimilating their newcomers into the program.

There's probably not more noise around any player than fifth-year quarterback Ashton Daniels. The veteran signal-caller is on to his third school in as many seasons and has been inconsistent at best during his college career.

But the past is in the past. Daniels has impressed Florida State since his arrival, taking command of the offense and stepping into a leadership role.

Coming out of the preseason, the Seminoles bestowed Daniels with a major honor.

Ashton Daniels Breaks The Rock To Conclude Fall Camp

There aren't many higher recognitions within the program than getting an opportunity to break the rock.

A tradition that Mike Norvell brought over from Memphis, Florida State acknowledges its top performers throughout the offseason and after wins by putting a sledgehammer in their hands.

Following a preseason where the Seminoles saw positives from key pieces on both sides of the ball, it was Daniels who got the nod to shatter the rock.

"This hammer, to carry this, to swing this, that's an honor," Director of Strength & Conditioning Josh Storms said. "It's an honor that's earned, though, by what you pour in, how you work, what you give, what you bring to the table every single day. It's about a new team coming together. Building relationships in January to the point where I'm at right now."

As we step into the season, this team right here is going to break a lot of these f------ rocks," Storms added. "A guy that I've watched earn it every day since he got here, to start the season off right, Ashton Daniels break this f------ rock."

Daniels kept it short and sweet before swinging the sledgehammer.

"Man, I'm excited to do this s--- with ya'll. Let's f------ get it. Love ya'll boys," Daniels said.

Ashton Daniels brought it every day of camp and broke the rock 🪨

The countdown is on ⏳#NoleFamily pic.twitter.com/EtglwELnv3
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) August 22, 2026

Over the last four years, Daniels has appeared in 37 games and made 23 starts. He's completed 434/721 passes for 4,783 yards with 24 touchdowns to 22 interceptions, while rushing 345 times for 1,397 yards and 11 more scores.

Florida State kicks off against New Mexico State on Saturday, August 29. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on The CW.

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